Nowadays, 3D technology has become the key to a successful business and the basis of many creative ideas. 3D printers are a popular equipment for creating three-dimensional prototypes. Working with such a device is not at all as simple as with conventional printing mechanisms. Read more about using 3D printers.
3D printer: what materials does it work on?
A 3D printer is an amazing mechanism that allows you to use a huge amount of materials. Professional models can even create biological tissue! Printers serving creativity and business can work with materials such as:
- Acrylic;
- Concrete;
- Paper types;
- Hydrogels;
- Gypsum;
- Wood;
- Ice;
- Chocolate;
- Fabrics
The list of materials suitable for work in this case is almost unlimited. Professionals use the most unusual products to create original prototypes.
How is the model created?
To create a model, you need a special editor. The most popular editor is 3D Max, providing everything you need for a beginner, and not too complicated to work with a computer. It can be used to create models, and for animation. Blender is a free competitor to the previous program.
So, having downloaded the necessary program, proceed to its development. Read the guide to the installed editor and get down to business. Create on the screen the desired model from the cubes, then select the resulting shape and click on the function "Group". After that, the cubes merge together, and the model is ready for printing. The most important thing in this case is to save the result in time in stl format. The model is ready. Products can also be created in different colors.
In order to print a multi-colored figure, you need to download a program for thinning the model into several layers. Use the program, load the created prototype into it and adjust the layer that needs to be painted in any color. Next, do the wording of the G - code, open it in the editor and look for the number under which there is a layer for printing a different color. Save the file. Before you print this layer, the print head will go to the adjusted coordinates, and you will have a minute and a half to adjust the new color. After this work will continue.
How to start printing
So, you managed to create a model in a special editor, but how to print it? The saved file is opened in a special editor Slic3r. It is the most important in the operation of the printer, because it regulates the trajectory of the print head, regulates the rate of plastic flow, and in general determines the algorithm of the printing device. Next in the file will open G - codes, after which you need to open Pronterface.
During this time, the head will get ready for work, after which you can start printing. During printing, the program reads the G code that controls the operation of the printer. At this time on the screen it will be possible to trace the printing process and determine which process is currently taking place.
REFERENCE! In this case, two programs are used, however, there are also resources that contain the main features of the main programs, such as RepRap and Skeinforge.
Recommendations for using a 3D printer
For successful processing of various models, beginners should know the following tips:
- Follow the operation of the printer, not only at the beginning of his work, but also towards the end. It so happens that the first stages of work are perfect, and the result is striking in clarity, however, then the nozzle can touch the model and spoil the whole result.
- Do not forget about the use of varnish for 3D printer.
- Do not place the mechanism near the window. In case ABS plastic is used, drafts and other elements of the external environment may adversely affect future work.
- In the case of parts with small tolerances, the possibility of shrinkage of ABS plastic should be considered.
- Do not remove the resulting model inside the printer (from the table). This should be done with the glass removed.
- The order necessary for adhesion of dimensional figures should reign on the desktop near the printer.
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